Of all of the activities taking place during the Family Reunion Festival, Grand Entry is among the most popular. Grand Entry happens at the powwow, which takes place Saturday evening.
All of the honored families are recognized with a dance during Grand Entry. The families being honored are the Johnson, Lafromboise, LaReau, LeClair, Melott, Rhodd, Tescier, Weld and Young families.
In order to dance, tribal members must wear traditional regalia. Men should wear a ribbon shirt and a sash and women should wear a blouse with a simple skirt and a shawl. Tank tops, flip flops, shorts, etc. are not permitted attire for dancing.
Don’t have regalia or moccasins? No problem! You can make your own on Friday or Saturday. Here are the times for the classes. You can also purchase regalia at FireLake Gifts, which is located inside the Cultural Heritage Center.
Friday
9 a.m.
Shawl/Fringing Class—Cultural Heritage Center (charge to buy a blank shawl/free to watch) (until noon)
Beadwork Class—Cultural Heritage Center (until noon)
Appliqué Class—Cultural Heritage Center (until noon)
Moccasin Making Class—Cultural Heritage Center (until 1:00) $35/$40 for supplies-limited to first15 people)
1 p.m.
Shawl/Fringing Class—Cultural Heritage Center (charge to buy a blank shawl/free to watch) (until 4:00)
Beadwork Class—Cultural Heritage Center (until 4:00)
Appliqué Class—Cultural Heritage Center (until 4:00)
Saturday:
9 a.m.
Shawl/Fringing Class—Cultural Heritage Center (charge to buy a blank shawl/free to watch) (until noon)
Beadwork Class—Cultural Heritage Center (until noon)
Appliqué Class—Cultural Heritage Center (until noon)
Moccasin Making Class—Cultural Heritage Center (until 1:00) $35/$40 for supplies-limited to first15 people)